2011 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Release

by Coin Collecting News on June 28, 2011

One of the United States Mint’s most popular products is coming this week. The 2011 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin will launch on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 12 noon Eastern Time from the U.S. Mint for $59.95 each.

2011 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin

Collectors may order up to 100 units per household of the Silver Eagles at the U.S. Mint’s website (http://www.usmint.gov/catalog) or by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) upon the coin’s release.

The .999 fine silver coin comes in only one size, which is one ounce. It is struck in proof quality and bears the "W" mint mark on the reverse side. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with the coin which ships within a U.S. Mint blue presentation case.

The designs on the American Silver Eagle are said to be some of the most beautiful among U.S. coinage, and have remained the same since the series began in 1986. The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s "Walking Liberty" that was used on the half dollar between 1916 and 1947. The reverse by John Mercanti portrays a heraldic eagle with shield and is said to symbolize the nation’s strength and endurance.

Sales for the proof Silver Eagles are expected to be hot and furious. Last November 273,212 sold of the 2010 issue in the first three days and a total of 860,000 sold in less than two months before the U.S. Mint deemed the coins "sold out." In 2008, collectors scooped up 700,979 of them between August and December. The Mint did not sell any collector version Silver Eagles in 2009 due to unprecedented demand for the bullion version. A maximum mintage for the 2011 proofs has not been announced.

For reference, the United States Mint’s press release regarding the launch date for the 2011 American Silver Eagle Proof Coin follows.

2011 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins Available June 30

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will open sales for the 2011 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin at noon Eastern Time (ET) on June 30, 2011. The coins will be priced at $59.95 each. Orders will be limited to 100 units per household.

The obverse (heads side) of the coin features a rendition of Adolph A. Weinman’s Lady Liberty in full stride, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The reverse (tails side), by former United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti, features a heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left.

The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin contains .999 silver. The one-ounce coin is struck on specially burnished blanks and carries the “W” mint mark, indicating its production at the United States Mint at West Point. Each coin is encapsulated in protective plastic and placed in a blue presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog/ or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin is also available for purchase through the United States Mint’s Online Subscription Program. Customers who enroll in the program can have the American Eagle Silver Proof Coin and other select products automatically billed and shipped as each product becomes available. Visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog/ for more information about this convenient shopping method.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of June 30 2011, at noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

About U.S. Mint

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.